children. At a time when there were few pre-school services in rural areas, Her Royal Highness launched an integrated pre-school initiative through the Community Development Centres established by JOHUD, catering to children's health, nutritional, educational and recreational needs. In 1990, the success of this initiative led to an extension programme, whereby over 234 local groups were given training and support to establish more than 450 new facilities and classes.

Mabarrat Um Al-Hussein

In 1994, at the request of His Majesty the late King Hussein, Princess Basma became Patron of Mabarrat Um Al Hussein, continuing the legacy of Her Majesty the late Queen Zein Al Sharaf of caring for children in need. Established in 1951, the Mabarrat is one of the primary orphanages in the country providing full care, education, and vocational training for 150 children. Between the ages of 6-18 years, children who have lost one or both parents, or come from broken homes or poor families, are eligible for care.

The Mabarrat relies on the generous donations and assistance of philanthropists in Jordan. The Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Royal Court holds an annual fundraising Bazaar, which contributes substantially to the Mabarrat's aim of providing a secure and healthy environment that fosters self-reliance and self-esteem for the children.

Jordanian Save the Children Fund (JSCF)

Princess Basma is President of the Jordanian Save the Children Fund (JSCF) whose objective is to promote the welfare of both children and women, as well as serving local communities through outreach centres. Established in 1974, JSCF's efforts cater largely to the needs of children of pre-school age, preparing them for subsequent stages of formal education. Other activities are comprehensive and varied. In addition to kindergarten classes, these include children's clubs, and child rights groups; health care (dental and general health clinics), production (embroidery, sewing and knitting units) as well as teacher training, awareness-raising campaigns and income-generating programmes for women.

Girl Guides and Boy Scouts

Princess Basma's association with the Scouting Movement began in the early days of her schooling, when she joined as a Brownie and then became a Girl Guide, participating in the first Boy Scout and Girl Guide festival in Jordan which took place in the 1960s. Today, she continues to be tied to the movement, in her capacity as President of the Jordanian Association of Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, which has grown to an impressive membership of 52,680. Princess Basma's active involvement has encouraged and supported Jordanian youth to participate in regional and international scouting events. She is also a member of the Olave Baden-Powell Society, an international body established to support the World Association of Girl Guide / Girl Scout (WAGGGS), with over 500 members from 45 countries.